Chennai Super Kings' Rising Star Ayush Mhatre Faces Long Layoff Due to Hamstring Injury

Chennai. Chennai Super Kings' reliable 18-year-old batter Ayush Mhatre, who has been struggling in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026, faces the risk of a long-term absence from the field due to a left hamstring injury. He sustained the serious injury while running between the wickets during Saturday night's match against Sunrisers Hyderabad.

Coming in as an Impact Player, Mhatre provided a strong start for the team with an aggressive 30 runs off 12 balls. However, he suddenly experienced hamstring issues while taking two runs in the second over. 

Due to the pain, he had to immediately remove his helmet and sit on the field. After extensive treatment from physio Tommy Simsek, he was ready to bat again, but he struggled significantly to take a single run before getting out on the next ball.

Chennai's batting coach Mike Hussey has indicated that Mhatre's injury is serious. Mhatre has been the team's most successful batter this season, scoring 201 runs at a strike rate of 177.87. 

According to Hussey, the duration of his absence will only be clear after the scan reports arrive. However, a hamstring tear typically takes up to six months to heal, which could mean Mhatre's season is over. In Mhatre's absence, Chennai may now look to give Urvil Patel an opportunity.

Meanwhile, former Chennai player Ravichandran Ashwin has criticized the club management for their handling of Mhatre's injury. Through his YouTube channel, Ashwin stated that it was shocking to put Mhatre at further risk when he was already playing with a strapped knee. 

Ashwin questioned, 'When the player was limping, why wasn't he retired out?' Labeling the CSK medical and management team as negligent, Ashwin argued that forcing Mhatre to continue running put his future in jeopardy.

Chennai lost the match against Hyderabad by 10 runs. Chennai is currently in seventh place in the points table with only two wins in six matches.